Body dysmorphic disorder vs Anorexia nervosa
How to tell Body dysmorphic disorder and Anorexia nervosa apart when a board question makes them look alike.
BDD is perceived appearance flaw with repetitive behaviors; anorexia is weight/shape fear plus significantly low body weight.
Side by side
Preoccupation with a perceived defect in appearance that is not observable or appears slight to others, with repetitive checking, grooming, reassurance seeking, or comparison behaviors.
Restriction of energy intake with significantly low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and disturbed body image centered on weight or shape.
Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsessive-compulsive related disorder focused on perceived appearance flaws rather than global weight/shape restriction.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder driven by weight/shape disturbance and restriction severe enough to produce significantly low body weight.
Mirror checking, skin picking, camouflage, reassurance seeking, normal weight, and concern about a specific feature support body dysmorphic disorder.
Low BMI, amenorrhea, bradycardia, hypothermia, lanugo, osteoporosis, and fear of weight gain support anorexia nervosa.
The trap
Both can involve distorted body image, so ask whether the concern is a specific feature or weight/shape with restriction and low weight.
The repair move
For body-image stems, locate the preoccupation: specific appearance flaw versus weight/shape and low body weight.
Try a free question
CoreA normal-weight patient spends hours checking a barely visible nose asymmetry, avoids photographs, and repeatedly seeks cosmetic consultation despite reassurance. Which diagnosis is most likely?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Body dysmorphic disorder. Preoccupation with a slight or unobservable appearance flaw plus repetitive checking and reassurance seeking supports body dysmorphic disorder.
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. Anorexia nervosa centers on weight/shape disturbance with significantly low body weight.
- C. Illness anxiety disorder centers on fear of having or acquiring illness.
- D. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder centers on perfectionism, order, and control.
- E. Somatic symptom disorder centers on distressing physical symptoms plus excessive thoughts or behaviors about them.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What preoccupation supports body dysmorphic disorder?
Preoccupation with a perceived appearance defect that others do not see or see as slight supports body dysmorphic disorder.
What behaviors support body dysmorphic disorder?
Mirror checking, grooming, reassurance seeking, camouflage, or comparison behaviors support body dysmorphic disorder.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Body dysmorphic disorder from Anorexia nervosa?
BDD is perceived appearance flaw with repetitive behaviors; anorexia is weight/shape fear plus significantly low body weight.
What is the key clue for Body dysmorphic disorder?
Preoccupation with a perceived defect in appearance that is not observable or appears slight to others, with repetitive checking, grooming, reassurance seeking, or comparison behaviors.
What is the key clue for Anorexia nervosa?
Restriction of energy intake with significantly low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and disturbed body image centered on weight or shape.
What is the common trap with Body dysmorphic disorder vs Anorexia nervosa?
Both can involve distorted body image, so ask whether the concern is a specific feature or weight/shape with restriction and low weight.